Good morning, Springdale.

Two major rail unions representing half of the workers withdrew support for the planned $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, warning it threatens safety, jobs, and raises shipping costs.

Union Pacific, which employs 1,700 people locally (in Arkansas), now awaits review by the Surface Transportation Board.

Springdale-based transit provider Ozark Regional Transit set a new ridership record by carrying 320,003 passengers on Dec.

4, surpassing the previous high of 319,060 from 2016. Executive Director Joel Gardner credited improved service coverage and the new Saturday fixed routes while hoping to boost the total by another 20,000 riders before year-end.

Dr. Weldon Murry of MANA Foot and Ankle earned the Certified Wound Specialist Physician credential, making him the first Arkansas podiatrist certified by the American Board of Wound Management.

He says the new recognition will help improve wound care + patient outcomes in Northwest Arkansas.

Ventura Foods has recalled salad dressing cases for food service after inspectors found black plastic in a granulated onion ingredient.

The FDA classified the Class II recall on Dec. 4 and confirmed Hidden Valley Ranch sold in stores is unaffected while recalled products were in Arkansas and 26 states.

Arkansas football coach Ryan Silverfield announced Tuesday that Ron Roberts will serve as defensive coordinator, Tim Cramsey will coordinate the offense and Chad Lunsford will oversee special teams as he builds a new coaching staff for the season.

The No. 14 Arkansas men's basketball team won 108-80 against Queens on Tuesday night at Walton Arena but plans to refine its defense before playing No. 8 Houston in Newark on Saturday.

Coach Kenny Payne said the team must limit turnovers and improve rebounding to handle Houston's physical play.